Khandala is a popular hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, near the cities of Mumbai and Pune. Known for its scenic views and pleasant climate, it attracts many travelers seeking a quick getaway from the bustling city life.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Khandala from Mumbai and Pune. You will learn about train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with practical travel tips to plan your trip smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Mumbai and Pune to Khandala – Main Options

Train

Taking a train to Khandala is a popular and scenic option, especially for travelers from Mumbai and Pune. The station is well connected by local and express trains.

• Khandala railway station lies on the Mumbai-Pune railway route, approximately 83 km from Mumbai and 55 km from Pune, with frequent local trains available daily.

• Travel time from Mumbai to Khandala by train is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the train type, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150 for second class and sleeper coaches.

• Trains can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets via IRCTC in advance is advisable to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• The station is small but well-maintained, with basic amenities and easy access to local taxis and auto-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity to hotels or viewpoints.

• During the monsoon season, train journeys may face delays due to fog or track maintenance, so check live train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and widely used mode to reach Khandala from Mumbai and Pune. Both state-run and private buses operate on this route regularly.

• MSRTC operates frequent buses from Mumbai’s Dadar and Borivali bus depots to Khandala, with travel times of about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and route taken.

• From Pune, buses depart from Shivajinagar and Swargate bus stands, covering the 55 km distance in roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with fares typically between ₹50 and ₹120.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort and fewer stops, while ordinary buses are cheaper but more crowded and slower during peak hours.

• Traffic congestion on NH48, especially during weekends and festival seasons, can increase travel time significantly, so plan your journey accordingly.

• Bus stops in Khandala are near the main market area, but local transport may be needed to reach hilltop resorts or trekking points.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Khandala offers flexibility and comfort, making it a preferred choice for families and groups traveling from Mumbai or Pune.

• The distance from Mumbai to Khandala via NH48 is about 83 km, usually taking 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic, while Pune to Khandala is approximately 55 km and takes around 1.5 hours.

• Highways are well-maintained, with toll plazas on NH48; toll charges can range from ₹100 to ₹150 depending on the route and vehicle type.

• Rest stops with clean washrooms and food options like highway dhabas and restaurants are available near Lonavala and Khandala, ideal for breaks during the drive.

• During the monsoon, roads can be slippery and visibility low due to fog, so drive carefully and avoid night travel on ghat sections.

• Parking in Khandala town and near popular viewpoints is limited during peak tourist seasons, so arrive early to secure a spot.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or app-based cab from Mumbai or Pune to Khandala is convenient for travelers who prefer door-to-door service without driving themselves.

• Ola and Uber offer outstation rides from Mumbai and Pune to Khandala, with fares typically ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 depending on vehicle type and demand.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Mumbai’s major railway stations and airports, but booking in advance is recommended to avoid surge pricing and availability issues.

• The journey time by taxi is similar to self-drive, around 2 to 3 hours from Mumbai and 1.5 hours from Pune, with flexibility to stop at scenic spots en route.

• Taxi drivers are usually familiar with local routes and can suggest good places to visit or eat, adding value to your trip experience.

• During weekends and holidays, taxi fares may increase due to high demand, so plan and book your ride early to get better rates.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Khandala, helping you organize your journey efficiently and enjoyably.

• Decide your starting point: Mumbai or Pune, as this determines your best travel mode and timing for Khandala.

• Choose your transport mode based on budget, comfort, and time: train for scenic and economical travel, bus for budget-friendly options, car or taxi for flexibility.

• Book tickets in advance through IRCTC for trains or MSRTC online portals for buses to avoid last-minute unavailability during peak seasons.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months and carry water and snacks, especially if traveling by bus or train.

• Start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Khandala during daylight, which helps in easy navigation and enjoying the views.

• On arrival, use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for last-mile travel to your hotel or sightseeing spots, and confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of purified water and avoid drinking tap water in Khandala to prevent stomach issues common among travelers.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent local travel in Khandala.

• Book train and bus tickets at least a week in advance during weekends and holidays to secure seats and avoid crowded travel conditions.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and train/bus running status to avoid cancellations or delays caused by heavy rains or landslides.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as local transport options like auto-rickshaws have limited space and may not accommodate large bags easily.

• Try local snacks like vada pav and misal pav at highway dhabas en route, but avoid street food in less crowded areas to stay safe.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Khandala is best visited during the cooler months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the landscape lush after the monsoon. Summers can be warm, while monsoon brings heavy rains and occasional travel disruptions.

Planning your trip outside peak festival seasons and weekends helps avoid heavy traffic and crowded accommodations, making your journey more comfortable.

• Avoid traveling during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali weekends as highways and trains are heavily crowded, leading to delays and higher fares.

• Monsoon months (June to September) bring beautiful greenery but also slippery roads and occasional landslides on the ghat sections, so travel cautiously.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic jams in Mumbai and Pune, especially on weekdays.

• Winter fog in December and January can reduce visibility on roads and railways, so allow extra travel time during these months.

Arrival at Khandala & What to Expect

When you arrive at Khandala railway station or bus stop, you will find basic facilities and easy access to local transport. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you to hotels, resorts, or sightseeing points.

The main market area is close to transport hubs and offers several budget and mid-range hotels. For hilltop resorts or trekking base points, a short taxi ride or walk uphill may be needed. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs ensure safe and fair local travel.

Conclusion

Traveling to Khandala is straightforward with multiple options from Mumbai and Pune. Trains offer a scenic and economical route, while buses provide budget-friendly frequent services. Driving or hiring a taxi gives you flexibility and comfort, especially for group travel.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and starting your journey early to avoid traffic. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful hill station of Khandala and make the most of your visit.